Influence of polymer morphology on water treeing

The influence of polymer morphology on water tree propagation is studied using water needle laboratory specimens. For six different thermoplastic materials, the growth kinetics of water trees is measured, the water content of individual water trees is evaluated from the water tree opacity and the water tree morphology is examined by optical microscopy. Results are interpreted by considering the mechanical response of the materials to the penetration of water, induced by dynamic forces of electric origin.<
>